Knowing that I am a subject based artist, I was beginning to deplete my resources at this interesting farm. The August morning was hot. I was not, but I was out there working! Not every painting is a home run. Even less than strong works teach important lessons.
This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Sennelier and Great American pastel.
This artwork is created on: UArt premier mounted pastel paper.
The morning light on the cattle fields was tinged with pinks and soft blues. These fields served as a backdrop as I worked on painting this well-used equipment. I found the contrast between the softness of the morning light and the ruggedness of the machines appealing.
This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Sennelier and Great American pastel.
This artwork is created on: UArt premier mounted pastel paper.
The nobility of the farm and all the investments in equipment is not readily apparent as any non-farmers zip through life. On closer inspection of the farm, I begin to understand all that is beyond the red barn that it takes to make the farm work. Here these two semi-trucks are seemingly ready to support that investment.
This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Sennelier and Great American pastel.
This artwork is created on: UArt premier mounted pastel paper.
Arriving to work at this same Hillsdale County farm, I spied this well used tractor. The soft yellows of the body belied its ruggedness as it sat ready to do its duty.
This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Sennelier and Great American pastel.
This artwork is created on: UArt premium mounted pastel paper.
Here at the cattle farm, I arrived to see lovely morning shadows playing across the farm lane leading to the out-buildings. The warm oranges made an interesting juxtaposition to the quickly bluing skies.
This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Sennelier and Great American pastel.
This artwork is created on: UArt premier mounted pastel paper.
On the border of Jackson County sits a lovely cattle farm. Although the house is no longer used, the farm houses a myriad of interesting views around it. Here I am enjoying the old house as the early morning shadows play over its eastern facade.
This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Sennelier and Great American pastel.
This artwork is created on: UArt premier mounted pasted paper.
This strawberry farm has been on my radar for a number of years. A farmer friend suggested it at least three years ago. I promptly dismissed it and forgot it. But as I gain experience, I look and understand the components of composition better. Now I realize that this site is compositionally full of strength. On value alone I am sold on painting here.
This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Sennelier and Great American pastel.
This artwork is created
As is my daily plein air schedule, I head out to paint each weekday morning by 7:30. Arriving at the long harvested wheat fields, I look east to see the sun fighting to keep from being obliterated by the fast approaching clouds.
This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Sennelier and Great American pastel.
This artwork is created on: UArt premier mounted pastel paper.
Some artists work is idea driven. My work is subject driven. Sometimes I turn to the landscape and find little to excite me compositionally but the skyscape itself.
This artwork is created with: Nupastel, Rembrandt, Sennelier and Great American pastel.
This artwork is created on: UArt premier mounted pastel paper.
After the harvest, I experience a kind of let down. Oh the landscape is still beautiful and challenging but the monumental sculptures that have dotted the land are no more. Here I turn my back on the empty fields and look west at a field of soybeans that still sports color and concentrate on the clouds that are moving in adding interest to the landscape.
